Delhi HC issues notice to Centre on plea over denial of insurance cover to differently-abled

The Delhi High court has issued a notice to the office of the Insurance Ombudsman and Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on a plea challenging the denial of health insurance to a minor with a disability.
Justice Prathiba M Singh directed them to file an affidavit within six weeks. The matter had posted for further hearing on March 17.

The high court also asked the IRDAI to consider the manner in which products can be designed for persons with hearing disabilities and persons with implants.
The court observed that the IRDAI shall consider the policy and guidelines as may be applicable to a person with a disability.
While passing the order, the high court said the challenges for the differently abled, ought to be mitigated by the society and it has to lend a helping hand and accommodate their needs.

The Delhi High court was hearing a plea challenging the denial of a health insurance policy for his minor son who was suffering Bi-Lateral Hearing Loss, which is a hearing disability.
The petitioners minor son was prescribed Cochlear Implant and the petitioners got the same implant done for their minor son on July 22, 2020, at their own expense.
The petitioners had a family insurance policy, which included their elder daughter, the petitioner applied for renewal on June 15, 2020, with the inclusion of their minor son as a co-insured after disclosing the said pre-existing condition.
Then the insurance company, however, refused to issue a policy on the ground that such a disability would not be covered by their underwriting policy.
The petitioner argued that it was completely discriminatory against disabled persons, including children.